Detailed Guide - Chromecast Local Files Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS

Trying to stream local videos from your device onto a larger screen is often maddening, particularly when compatibility issues or a weak wireless connection arise. Besides, when trying to stream content to various platforms, Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS, all which may have their own implementations. This is where the Chromecast can be useful as tool to help you cast media to the screen with no wires and deliver cable-free experience.

In addition, you can avoid wasting your time and energy by learning how to work local video content among devices. This guide will demonstrate how you can easily Chromecast local files and watch your videos on the big screen using a Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS device.

Part 1. Getting Started with Chromecast: What You Need to Know?

Upon having the idea of how easy it is to use Chromecast to play local videos, let's take a quick peek at the important tips you need to know before you start:

1. Compatible Devices: Make sure your device is compatible with Chromecast i.e. most Android 6.0 +, iOS 12.0+, and Windows and Mac devices cast via Google Chrome.
2. Good Wi-Fi Connection: The two devices should have a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection. It is necessary that both your Chromecast and the casting device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The error in casting is frequently caused by mismatched networks.
3. Updated Software: Maintain or update your Google Home application, Chrome web browser, and OS on your device to the latest versions to have issue-free performance or connection as you Chromecast local videos.
4. Power Source: Make sure your Chromecast is powered, either through the USB port in the TV or with the power adapter that comes with it so that it can work.
5. Video Format Support: Chromecast supports standard video formats like MP4, WebM, and MKV.
6. Screen Mirroring Limitations: Screen mirroring might lead to lag and has a poorer resolution, which is why direct casting is frequently preferable when playing video locally.

Part 2. Methods to Use For Windows and Mac Devices

The different methods you can apply when you want to stream local video to Chromecast through your Windows or Mac devices are discussed below:

Method 1. Using Google Chrome Browser

Google Chrome supports MP4 and WebM formats, offering stable, high-quality playback with minimal lag for casting local video files from Windows/Mac. With its built-in "Cast" feature, stream an entire tab or even specific tabs without any added software or extensions. Users can choose whether they want to cast a specific tab or the entire screen. Read into the steps below to stream from PC to Chromecast using Chrome:

Step 1. Either drag and drop your video onto Google Chrome or play a video you want to cast. Click the "Vertical Three-Dots" in the right corner of the screen to choose the "Cast, Save and Share" option from the drop-down menu. Next, pick the "Cast" option from the extended menu.

Step 2. From the "Cast" extension icon in the top corner, you will see a pop-up box. Here, you can pick which Chromecast you want to use on the available large-screen devices. Through the "Sources" tab, choose if you're going to cast the entire screen or just a tab.

Method 2. Using VLC Media Player

This versatile player supports a wide range of video formats and automatically converts them to ensure ease while streaming content. The integrated Render feature allows you to effortlessly connect with your TV and start streaming. Unlike the Google Chrome method, VLC provides more control over the playback functionalities of the video. Read the guide below and figure out how to stream local files to Chromecast:

Step 1. Launch the VLC Media Player and "Open File" through the "Media" tab to play the video you want to cast.

Step 2. Once it starts playing, click the "Playback" tab to choose "Render" from the list. Select the TV or a large screen to initiate the process of streaming local videos to Chromecast.

Part 3. Apply These Methods to Chromecast on Android Devices

In case you want to stream a local video file from your smartphone to the large screen, you need to follow the methods discussed in this section:

Method 1. Using Existing Files or the Gallery App

Most Android phones today have built-in Smart View display casting options that are integrated into the system or the gallery application. The process is easy to follow, does not involve downloading any other applications, and adapts to popular video files. Follow the instructions on how to cast local video to Chromecast on your iPhone device:

Instructions. Go into the gallery of your Android and find the video that you want to cast. Next, select the icon that is labeled as "Smart View," to the top right corner of the screen. Select the TV screen that you want to stream to on the pop-up dialog box and tap the "Start Now" button to begin streaming.

Method 2. Using a Third-Party App - Google Home

The Google Home app on an Android serves as the command center to Chromecast. With this tool you can stream all your local video, apps, games, and images directly to your TV to view them larger. As you Chromecast local files from the Android device, you can use the control playback settings, like volume, without having to use the TV remote. Read the guide presented below for your better understanding:

Instructions. After launching the app, ensure both the TV and devices are connected to the same internet. Navigate to the "Devices" tab and select "Add Now" to add a new TV Screen or connect to an existing one available for connection. Now, you can use your mobile phone as a remote and move about your phone as it continues to cast the mobile screen to the larger screen.

Part 4. Perform Screen Mirroring For iOS Devices

Unlike Mac, Windows, and Android devices, iOS does not support any direct Chromecast services. In this part, we will be looking into the ability to Chromecast local video from your iOS device with a third-party tool:

Using Third-Party Apps: Replica - Screen Mirroring - Cast

With third-party applications such as Replica -Screen Mirroring - Cast, it becomes possible to project videos, presentations, and so on in the real-time. It provides low latency streaming which allows the video or application action to be synced with the television display. The app supports both landscape and portrait orientations, adjusting automatically for optimal cast file to Chromecast viewing. The steps below will give you an idea of how Replica is a beginner-friendly tool for daily use:

Instructions. As you install and launch the tool, immediately view the available TV screens that are connected to the same internet and can be connected. When you tap the TV of your choice, you are shifted to where you will tap on the "Cast Screen Mirror" button and wait for the countdown. Finally, your iOS device will be connected, and you can stream local files to Chromecast.

Bonus Part. Filmora Desktop: Making Videos Visually Appealing For Screen Casting

Coming towards the end, you now have a clear understanding of how to manage your way through the different devices and stream local video to Chromecast. Here we are going to get into video editing software, which will enable you to enhance the overall quality of the local video you wish to cast. Wondershare Filmora is an AI-enhanced video editor packed with features that run on both mobile and desktop.

Using this tool, you can work with audio, video, and text files in one window to accelerate the working process. The AI Denoise feature helps you eliminate the unwanted sound of the video. Moreover, with the help of the AI Cutout feature, you can ensure the subject of your video stands out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Local Video Files for Casting

Under this guide, you will be able to optimize the video that you intend to display on a bigger screen, enabling you to have an overall good viewing:

• Step 1. Click on Start New Project on the Startup Window. Initiate the improvement of the local video file process by starting a "New Project" on the installed Filmora software.

  

• Step 2. Initiate the Smart Cutout Feature. Navigate to the "AI Tools" tab from the "Video" editing panel on the right. Here, turn on the toggle for "Smart Cutout" and click on the button.

  

  From the Smart Cutout-Video popup window, mark the area you want to keep and leave the area you don't want unmarked. Adjust the "Brush Size" and other properties while marking and hit "Save" to save the changes.

  

• Step 3. Trim the Video and Apply Smooth Transitions. Using the "Red-Scissors" icon on the keyframe, trim the video. Next, shift to the "Transitions" section and apply a smooth transition where the trim was done. This will make sure your video transitions smoothly to the next scene.

  

• Step 4. Insert AI-Generated Audio into the Local Video. Moving on, to improve the viewing experience, shift to the "Audio" section and pick "AI Music" from the "AI Audio" tab. Here, choose the theme and mood of your music idea and hit the "Generate" button to press "+" and add it to the timeline.

  

• Step 5. Apply Appropriate Filters to the Video. Move to the "Filters" section and apply the one that best fits the theme of the video. Then, from the right-side panel, adjust the "Opacity" panel until it meets your requirements.

  

• Step 6. Insert AI Stickers Into the Video for Casting. To further enhance the visual appearance of the video and make it look fun, jump to the "Stickers" section and shift to the "AI Stickers" panel. Here, type in a prompt in the text box and hit the "Generate" button. Adjust the stickers' placement from the "Preview" section and hit "Export" when done.

  

• Step 7. Set Resolution and Format of Local Video File in Export Tab. Finally, from the Export window, click the "Format" and "Resolution" tabs to set them based on your requirements. Hit the "Export" button to save the video changes and download it to your device.

  

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Conclusion

To conclude this article, we have looked into the various methods you can carry out when it comes to being able to Chromecast local files. Since different devices have different compatibility ranges when it comes to casting, we have provided detailed information on each device's methods. Furthermore, we have shared a guide on enhancing the local video you want to cast for a better viewing experience using Wondershare Filmora.